In 47 weeks, Prentis McCarty, senior criminal justice major from Houston, reached a life changing weight loss goal of 100 pounds through the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Prentis McCarty

McCarty’s challenge began when a friend asked him to run a half marathon. Initially he hesitated, but through encouragement of friends McCarty finished the race. However, this was only the start.

McCarty’s workouts started out slowly as he began to reach his intended goal. He started out his program with the help of the SRWC staff by running for five minutes on treadmill at an average speed 3 times a week and then cycle for 10 minutes 2 times a week.

“You have to start slow and progress each week, never give up once the pain comes,” he said.

Each week McCarty pushed himself to run or cycle for another minute longer. He became a vegetarian and began eating right and eventually added weights to his workout. As of Friday, McCarty has hit his goal of losing over 100 pounds in 47 weeks. He is planning on trying to loose another 10 pounds before his one year mark on May 14.

McCarty said faith played a big role in his success.

“I give all praises to Jesus Christ, my lord and savior,” he said. “Without him, I couldn’t have done it.”

McCarty said it is important for people to treat their lives as temples.

“The advice that I can give people is to be committed, to have dedication,” he said. “Your life is worth so much more with than being unhealthy.”

The SRWC has a variety of ways to exercise. The facility is 113,000-square feet and includes three racquetball courts, four basketball courts, a bouldering wall, a 41-station cardio center, an aquatic center and a jogging track. The center also provides students with a healthy snack bar, a leisure pool, a patio for relaxation, nutrition counselors and group studios.

The SRWC provides a place for students to stay involved, hang out with friends and enjoy staying physically active.

The center was built on the foundation of programming excellence in fitness and wellness, informal recreation and instructional programs. With the efforts of a high qualified and enthusiastic staff, they strive to ensure a quality recreational experience for the entire ACU community.

The center is open to all ACU students and has now announced that anyone who has completed at least one full academic semester at ACU is eligible to become a member.